Veterinary Practice Reopens

Under ownership of Dr. Jennifer Shindle

By Chanin Rotz-Mountz

Jennifer Shindle, DVM NEWS EDITOR

Life has been full of new beginnings for Dr. Jennifer Shindle, DVM. Having married in October and relocated to the McConnellsburg area, Dr. Shindle has recently established herself in Fulton County as the newest doctor of veterinary medicine.

Taking over the McConnellsburg based practice of Dr. Brent Carlson, Shindle has reopened the facility on Reservoir Road under the name McConnellsburg Veterinary Clinic.

In her 10th year as a veterinarian, Shindle’s affection for animals dates back to her childhood. Thinking back to a sick cat she once owned, Shindle, 41, said she can still remember the care and loving nature their veterinarian displayed while rendering aid to their pet.

“It’s just one of those things that I always wanted to do,” said Shindle. “There was never a question I would become a veterinarian.”

Shindle pointed out only a very limited number of individuals are accepted from the three to five thousand applicants vying for entry into the 28 schools of veterinary medicine located in the United States. As a result, Shindle’s travels would take her to the island of Saint Kitts in the West Indies where she would spend five years studying at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. That schooling would be followed by a one-year clinical study at Virginia Tech, which in turn led to two years practicing in Ohio and an additional eight in Hagerstown, Md.

She said she learned of Dr. Carlson’s desire to devote more time to his practice in Mount Union from colleague Dr. Jeff Ott. Carlson and Shindle began discussing the possibility of her assuming ownership of the practice here, which would allow Carlson to fulfill his wishes.

Having grown up in Waynesboro, Franklin County, Shindle said her first month in practice in McConnellsburg has been a good one. Having received a good reception and warm welcome from her patients and their owners, Shindle said people wishing to be vets often get into the business due to their love of animals. However, they quickly realize those animals are tightly linked to their human owners, which leads to an affinity for people as well. She’s already establishing a good rapport with her two-legged clientele and hopes to become better acquainted with local residents at an open house tentatively scheduled for mid-September.

In the meantime, work continues on exterior renovations at the McConnellsburg Veterinary Clinic with help from her newlywed husband and building contractor Jason. Jason and his crew are also touted for many of the cosmetic changes that have occurred inside the office from the painting and new drop ceilings to lighting and divided areas for cats and dogs waiting to meet the doctor.

Shindle stated many internal upgrades have been completed as well, citing new and improved equipment such as surgical lasers that ease the process of removing of kitty claws. Another improvement includes the installation of a new hydraulic lift table, which is not only a relief for individuals with larger-sized pets but for staff as well. New and improved dental equipment is also now in place as Shindle remains a huge advocate for pet dental health.

She pointed out the best way to help any pet is to help their owners. As a result, owner education is high on her list of priorities.

McConnellsburg Veterinary Clinic offers expanded office hours to help meet the needs of local residents. Hours are currently set at Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays the office will be closed between 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Furthermore, the office will also be open to clients the first Saturday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dr. Shindle and her staff can be reached at 717-485-3552.